Google BI

reference from: http://www.biguru-online.com/2008/03/28/google-bi/

In a move that turns the heat up on Microsoft Excel, Google is partnering with business intelligence firm Panorama Software to develop a software-as-a-service (SaaS) analytics, reporting and data visualization tool for its free online Google Docs applications suite. The BI firm that handed Microsoft the original OLAP technology that’s now included in SQL Server database management system, is working with Google to push BI and data visualisation capabilities into Google’s Docs applications suite which mimics Microsoft Office with free online word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications. At the same time rumors are surfacing that Microsoft in experimenting with an online office suite with codename Albany. This in an attempt to fend off competition like Google docs. The Panorama software, which has been released as a beta version this week, is offered as a free desktop gadget that works with Google Spreadsheets. It draws on analysis, reporting, dashboard, visualisation (charting) and data modelling tools that are part of Panorama’s NovaView BI suite. These elements combine to create Panorama Pivot Tables that can be embedded and manipulated in applications like Google Spreadsheets. This Google initiative perfectly fits into one of the BI megatrends for 2008: Integration. We have seen that Business Intelligence continues to integrate with operational processes. The preferred tool of choice in operations is still the spreadsheet (Excel). Microsofts ‘BI for the masses approach’ also boosts excel as their BI frontend. If Google wants to compete with Microsoft (in the BI area) then targeting the spreadsheet sounds like a well thought strategy. But if you compare the installed base of MS Office and Google Docs there is still a long way to go before somebody in Redmond looses sleep over this. Also we have seen a consolidation of BI vendors in 2007. This means that small(er) BI vendors will be looking for partners to survive (or create niche solutions). Again also sound strategy thinking by the guys and girls at Panorama. That they have been in bed with Microsoft before makes it even more exciting. Finally the Vendor consolidation has created an renewed interest in open source software. Clients are afraid to be ‘owned’ by one mega vendor. Google may be perceived as a alternative. In conclusion, we could argue that the BI vendor consolidation has made the BI market more volatile by creating new chances for innovative parties even from a non traditional BI background.

It will take a very long time for Google to improve the Google Spreadsheets not only developing the product but also delivering the product to customer.
I pay a lot of attention for the great things Google is doing. And I am integrating some ideas with Google Spreadsheets.
Look forward the bright future.